Florida Constitution Revision Commission Meeting Dates Announced

Tue, Feb 6, 2018

The 2017-2018 Florida Constitution Revision Commission (CRC) is in the process of deciding which proposed amendments to our state’s constitution will be put on the November 2018 ballot. The CRC’s decisions over the coming weeks could substantially transform Florida – for better or for worse. The CRC is holding hearings across the state in next few weeks. We need you to attend and express your support and/or concern over the proposals under consideration. Your voice matters. Tuesday, February 6, 1:00-7:00 PM EST South Florida Public Hearing (Broward County) Monday, February 19, 1:00-7:00 PM EST Central Florida Public Hearing (Brevard County) Tuesday, February 20, 1:00-7:00 PM EST Northeast Florida Public Hearing (Duval County) Tuesday, February 27, 1:00-7:00 PM CST Northwest Florida Public Hearing (Escambia County) Tuesday, March 13, 1:00-7:00 PM EST Tampa Bay Area Public Hearing (Pinellas County) Southwest Florida Public Hearing - To Be Determined The CRC is actively searching for a venue in greater Southwest Florida. Details of Public Hearings can be found here including location, appearance forms and parking information at http://flcrc.gov/Meetings/PublicHearings. Florida’s Constitution was rewritten in 1968 to increase public participation in our Florida Constitutiongovernance. It contained a provision unique among the states: the creation of a commission that would meet every 20 years and provide recommended changes to the state constitution for Florida voters to decide on. The CRC is made up of 37 members, including the attorney general and individuals appointed by the governor, house speaker, senate president, and chief justice. This is the only round of public hearings on the proposals headed to the final commission. This is your opportunity to ask questions and weigh in directly on any potential changes to our state’s guiding document. Among the proposals we’re watching closely: In Support: Proposal 11: Closing the Write-in Loophole would clarifying the intent of the last CRC to allow all voters to participate in a universal primary when all the candidates are of one party. In Opposition: Proposal 97: AMENDMENTS, Amendment or revision election would require that any proposed amendment to or revision of the State Constitution be approved by a vote of not fewer than 60 percent of the voters voting in the election in which the proposed amendment or revision is considered. This increase would be the highest bar in the land and is an increase over the current 60 percent of those voting on the initiative. A full list of CRC proposals may be found here. Encourage your friends and neighbors to attend these hearings. It is an important opportunity to voice support or opposition of proposals or ideas important to you and the future of our state. You matter to Florida. Liza McClenaghan, State Chair, and the Common Cause Florida Team Text MATTER to 97779 to join our list of Common Cause Florida members willing to take action. If you want reminders for the upcoming public hearings and updates on actions of the Constitution Revision Commission text MATTER to 97779.